Quite a few people have criticised the idea of a Hayabusa racing around a track with smaller bikes. Some have been vocal on websites (every single one of those have never ridden a Hayabusa on a racetrack however!!!). Some have sent PM's telling me I'm stupid, which is true, but not because of my choice of bike!
I, personally, just love the bike, so I decided after a couple of years of having it on the road, to one day turn mine into a track bike...
My intention has never been to enter or win races... just to have fun... and so far I've had lots of trouble-free fun!
Let's not forget though, that back in 2000, the mighty Hayabusa made history:
In a recent interview with MCN:
Shawn Giles says: "I had some great races with Mat in 1994 and 1995 - some real memorable ones. He was a real hard racer and a demon under brakes."
When it comes to memorable motorcycles, Giles doesn't hesitate in naming the race-kitted Suzuki Hayabusa he co-rode in the Suzuka 8-hour race in 2000, Japan's most prestigious race and a round of the World Endurance Championship.
Giles raced the Hayabusa to victory in the Formula X class with team mate Osama Deguchi.
Shawn Giles says: "That thing was a weapon - we actually had to detune it for the race so we could ride it for the whole eight hours. I could pass any of the factory Superbikes in a straight line. I remember Hitoyasu Izutsu on the factory Kawasaki Superbike having his head buried under the screen and his arse on the ducktail and I went past him on the 'Busa sitting up and looking sideways at him.
"Izutsu couldn't believe it! I remember having real bad blisters on my hands after the race from trying to hold on. Real bad..."
To the critics, I say come and get me.
To those offering advice to help out with my fun project, I say
thank you. It's been over a year on the track now and I gotta say, I LOVE IT!!!